Podcast Summary: Hour 3 – Retired Numbers & Mets-Nationals

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca (ESPN New York), Alan Hahn (ESPN New York Knick Broadcaster), Peter Rosenberg (Hip Hop Vet & WWE Personality)
• Episode Title: Hour 3: Retired Numbers & Mets-Nationals
• Release Date: April 25, 2025

I. Introduction to the Episode

The third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast delves deep into the intriguing topics of retired jersey numbers in sports and the ongoing debate surrounding the New York Giants' NFL draft decisions, particularly regarding African American quarterbacks. Additionally, the hosts provide comprehensive coverage of the latest happenings in Major League Baseball, focusing on the Mets-Nationals series, while engaging with listener calls and sprinkling in their characteristic humor and insightful commentary.

II. Retired Numbers in Sports

Challenges and Solutions: The conversation begins with a robust discussion on the challenges of retiring jersey numbers across sports. With a limited range of numbers available, the hosts explore the complications that arise as more numbers become retired, making it difficult for new players to choose their jerseys.

Proposed Solutions: Peter Rosenberg suggests innovative solutions, such as:

• Gold-Colored Jerseys: "What do you guys think of this? A player wears a retired number, but the number on the jersey is like in gold" ([11:48]).

This idea aims to honor retired numbers visually without entirely removing them from availability.

Notable Player References: The hosts reference several iconic players, debating the significance and appropriateness of retiring certain numbers:

• Phil Simms: “Phil Simms still resonates. He was the first quarterback of the New York Giants to win a Super Bowl” ([06:00]).

• Billy Martin: Discussed as an example of a player whose number retirement could be revisited, albeit humorously questioning the practicality of three-digit numbers ([10:51]).

Quotes:

• Alan Hahn criticizes current fashion trends on ESPN, stating, "Wear a suit. Wear some nice tie up proper hard bottom shoes. Just dress like a gentleman when you're on the tv. It's not that hard." ([04:00]).

• Don La Greca muses on the future of retired numbers, "But I think it's more of a football because you only have. You only have 99 numbers and you've got 53 players on a team." ([05:41]).

III. NFL Draft and Giants' Quarterback Decisions

Debate on African American Quarterbacks: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the New York Giants' reluctance to draft African American quarterbacks. This topic intensifies following a listener call expressing frustration over the Giants selecting Jackson Dart over Jalen Milro.

Key Points Discussed:

• Historical Context: The Giants' history of not drafting African American quarterbacks leads to accusations of systemic racism, a point heavily debated by the hosts.

• Player Evaluations: Comparisons between quarterbacks like Jackson Dart, Jalen Milro, and Shador Sanders are scrutinized, evaluating their stats, performance, and potential fit for the Giants.

Listener Call and Host Responses: Devin voices his concerns: “What's the unwillingness of the Giants to draft a black quarterback? ... Jackson Dart is not it. He's a Daniel Jones 2.0.” ([23:37]).

Host Perspectives:

• Don La Greca: Challenges the notion of inherent racism by highlighting the Giants' recruitment of African American quarterbacks as free agents and the presence of an African American general manager. “They signed two African American quarterbacks to free agent as free agents to bring them in as veterans.” ([25:19]).

• Peter Rosenberg: Acknowledges the stigma but emphasizes the need for concrete evidence rather than baseless assumptions. “But I just think they had them rated higher and they took the higher rated player in their opinion.” ([25:00]).

• Alan Hahn: Points out the complexity of the issue, stating, “But they also not had. They're one of the team. A starting quarterback that didn't miss a game for 15 years.” ([36:32]).

Quotes:

• Don La Greca asserts, “But you can't really go with trends. You go with what looks right on you.” ([03:41]).

• Peter Rosenberg remarks, “It's such a new generation thing. ... we're going to have a good opportunity to sort this out.” ([08:48]).

IV. Mets vs Nationals & Baseball Coverage

Mets' Performance: The hosts provide an optimistic outlook on the New York Mets, highlighting their current winning streak and positive run differential. Don La Greca notes, “Mets are the only team in the division with a plus run differential. A plus 36.” ([41:35]).

Player Highlights:

• Senga: Focused on his performance and potential to lead the Mets to continued victories. Peter Rosenberg states, “Senga, you know, again, as a Yankee fan is. I will have the devil game on.” ([40:32]).

• Carrasco: Mentioned as a key player pitching for the Mets against the Nationals. “Mets are in Washington take on the Nationals.” ([40:32]).

Quotes:

• Don La Greca elaborates on the Mets’ promising start: “They have their best pitcher on the mound. It's by far the longest winning streak we see right now in Major League Baseball.” ([41:35]).

• Peter Rosenberg adds excitement about upcoming games, “It's a wraparound four game series. So already having won seven in a row...” ([01:07]).

V. Audience Calls and Interactions

Listener Engagement: The episode features several listener interactions, each contributing to the depth of the discussions.

Notable Calls:

• Devin's Call: Raises concerns about the Giants' draft choices, particularly focusing on race and performance metrics of quarterbacks. This call initiates the extensive debate on racism within the Giants' franchise ([23:37]).

• Tessa's Call: Offers a fan’s perspective on the recent draft and expresses optimism about the Giants’ front line, adding a personal touch to the conversation. “... But I'm just saying we might win a couple of games now.” ([18:33]).

• Richard Jefferson's Call: Discusses a recent game and refereeing decisions, bringing attention to officiating inconsistencies. “... They have to correct that today. They have to come out with a statement.” ([44:11]).

Quotes:

• Tessa highlights a fan's hope: “Listen, how many years have I been calling ready to bash my head against the wall... But I'm just saying we might win a couple of games now.” ([18:33], [20:04]).

• Richard Jefferson points out officiating flaws: “... he should have never been allowed to make that play because you're not supposed to move.” ([46:21]).

VI. Light-Hearted Discussions and Humor

Fashion Critique: Alan Hahn vents his frustration with the current fashion trends on ESPN, advocating for a more traditional and gentlemanly appearance. “We don't need to do anything different in sports. Guys. Wear a suit.” ([04:00]).

Future of Sports Technology: The hosts engage in humorous speculations about the future of sports, imagining scenarios like holographic players and digital jerseys. “Holograms and digital jerseys that change color in the middle of the game.” ([14:19]).

Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg jokes about future commentaries, “You'll see five pitchers, but how about this one? He would never, ever get a single, right?” ([15:10]).

• Don La Greca humorously predicts, “By the time we get to the year 3000, we may have the technology that Ruth is back.” ([14:48]).

VII. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Sports Coverage Highlights: The hosts wrap up by promoting upcoming sports events, ensuring listeners are informed about where to catch the latest games and coverage.

Upcoming Events Mentioned:

• Baseball: Mets vs Nationals, Yankees vs Blue Jays
• Basketball: Knicks vs Pistons
• Hockey: Devils vs Hurricanes
• NFL Draft: Second and third rounds coverage

Final Remarks: Don La Greca emphasizes the excitement surrounding the Mets’ promising start and upcoming games, encouraging listeners to tune in for comprehensive coverage. “... It's a great week of shows. So enjoy the second and third rounds of the draft tonight.” ([46:09]).

Quotes:

• Don La Greca concludes with optimism: “You shouldn't apologize for getting off to a great start.” ([41:59]).

• Peter Rosenberg adds enthusiasm for future events: “Pack the place. That's what I want. Challenge them.” ([43:51]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn on Fashion: “Wear a suit. Wear some nice tie up proper hard bottom shoes. Just dress like a gentleman when you're on the tv. It's not that hard.” ([04:00]).

• Peter Rosenberg on Retired Numbers: “A player wears a retired number, but the number on the jersey is like in gold.” ([11:48]).

• Devin's Listener Call on Giants: “Jalen Milro has a better statistics than Jackson Dart has done better and as far as the season go successfully went to the playoffs.” ([23:37]).

• Don La Greca on Giants' Draft Decisions: “They signed two African American quarterbacks to free agent as free agents to bring them in as veterans.” ([25:19]).

• Tessa on Team Optimism: “It's the first time. And I feel like years I've had hope. I'm excited.” ([18:33]).

• Richard Jefferson on Refereeing: “They have to correct that today. They have to come out with a statement.” ([44:11]).

• Peter Rosenberg on Future Tech in Sports: “Holograms and digital jerseys that change color in the middle of the game.” ([14:19]).

Conclusion

In this episode, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" seamlessly blends serious sports journalism with engaging discussions on cultural and societal issues within the sports world. From the complexities of retiring jersey numbers to the contentious debate over the Giants' quarterback selections, the hosts provide a multifaceted analysis that caters to avid sports fans and casual listeners alike. Their interactions with listeners add depth and relatability, while their humor keeps the conversation lively and entertaining. The comprehensive coverage of current sports events ensures that listeners stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the New York sports scene.